Thesis Topic: Factors influencing American pika nocturnal behavior along an elevational gradient in Lassen, California.

Advisor: Dr. Richard Brown

Undergraduate Institution: Cal Poly Humboldt

Growing up in Sacramento, California I found myself consistently within arms reach of countless outdoor activities. Additionally, nature and conservation have always been a valued part of my family. My parents are avid hikers and would take my sister and me out on adventures in the local Sierra from an early age. Additionally, my grandfather is also an active member of a local conservation group in Sacramento and would always bring me along for riparian cleanups and community outreach events. By the time I was preparing to begin my undergraduate degree, it seemed only natural to continue with a focus on wildlife and conservation, so I attended Cal Poly Humboldt for a degree in Wildlife Biology. During my time attending CPH, I was able to intern with a conservation group in the foothills of the Sierra to work on a handheld camera system to record salmonids. While I found this to be a very rewarding experience, I’m excited to now be focusing on mammals in the alpine! My research topic will be on pika nocturnality and the factors which could be pressuring a normally diurnal species out at night.